Best path to take after long term unemployment

busy_mom_2

yenool wrote: »

Hi all, I am hoping for some sensible advice please! :-)



edit: I should also add that the job centre and careers advice services are as much use as a fart in a windstorm..... these places seem to be staffed by morons who have no useful contribution to make, I don't know if they are used to dealing with people who 'wont' work rather than those who 'can not' or haven't been able to.... but going in to these places I have come out more confused than ever to be honest.

Are you claiming JSA or ESA?

There are all sorts of opportunities open to 18 -24 clients under the young persons guarantee. Voluntary work, work experience, future jobs fund, training, pre employment training and qualifiactions, community task force...... to name some.
There is also the DEA who can address any issues regarding your health.

I think the 'farts in a windstorm' may have offered you all these hense why you confused.

el_gringo_3

A friend of mine had similar problems, having a long term illness which meant she spent long periods in hospital aged 18-22 and couldn't work. She found it very difficult to get a job until she started looking working away from home in the travel industry (chalet girl in ski resort). They didn't seem that bothered about her work and education, more about her ability to do housework, that she was able to avoid trouble and that she was happy to be away from home for long periods. After several years doing this in various different positions of responsibility, she'd got enough experience to do a wide range of other jobs.

CHARDONNAY_3

I would defo recommend trying out voluntary work in a number of diffrerent areas, to help decide which is for you, as careers advice is no substitute for trying the job for yourself.

I would also agree with not worrying too much bout uni til you have the basics. NVQ's are being asked for in more & more jobs of late, so that might be a good starting point and your course should be free as you don't already have level 2 qualifications. This could be done alongside volunteering, basic lit & num courses which would build up your C.V & provide you with refs for future employment.

Thinking ahead it might also be worth looking at the Open University as they don't have set requirements but do have openings courses to build up your confidence. If there is a centre near you, you can call up to arrange an appt with a course advisor to discuss your options & theres loads of info online.